How Our Colorado Securities and Investment Fraud Lawyers Can Help You
Investment losses are a part of investing, but when brokers commit fraud, they can be held legally responsible.
If you believe you have been a victim of investment fraud, it is important to contact an investment fraud lawyer with experience handling these types of cases.
Regulatory bodies like the SEC or FINRA might also need to be alerted to potential market manipulation or insider trading.
The quicker you take action, the better your odds of securing compensation. At the Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., we’ve assisted numerous investors in recouping their losses stemming from investment fraud in Colorado.
Our approach involves a comprehensive examination of your case to reveal any instances of misrepresentation or fraud, and we’re committed to advocating for your rights during FINRA arbitration to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you’re entitled to.
What Does Investment Fraud in Colorado Look Like?
Investment fraud, often referred to as securities fraud, is characterized by the use of deceitful tactics, such as the dissemination of false or misleading information, to influence investors’ decisions, leading to significant financial losses.
Unscrupulous brokers might go as far as directly stealing funds or securities from investors.
Here’s a real life example in Colorado:
One of the biggest frauds originating in Colorado was perpetrated by Greg Lindberg and the Colorado Bankers Life Insurance Company, which has been placed into liquidation by court order.
These companies were involved in the offer and sale of annuities and annuity-like investments in Northstar Financial Services (Bermuda), PB Investment Holdings, and others. Many brokerage firms participated in these scams without doing adequate due diligence.
When you first hired your broker-dealer, it’s likely that you trusted them to put your best interests first. Unfortunately, many brokers and financial advisors don’t live up to their fiduciary duty or have committed outright securities fraud.
They might mislead you about investments, conceal risks, engage in excessive trading (churning) to generate commissions, or overcharge you with hidden fees.
Types of Investment Fraud We Handle in Colorado
The most common investor claims in the state of Colorado are:Can You Help Recover My Investment Losses?
Yes, we can help recover losses you sustained if you live or do business in Colorado, but it depends on the specifics of your case. We can never guarantee results.
First, in order to recover your investment losses, you must prove that your broker-dealer or financial advisor violated the federal or state securities statutes, committed fraud, or breached their fiduciary duty to you as an investor. Or, you must prove that the brokerage firm was negligent in hiring and supervising the stockbroker.
In most cases, this means filing a FINRA arbitration claim against the broker-dealer and/or representative, which we handle on your behalf.
The majority of securities fraud cases are handled by FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority) rather than being brought to the court system.
FINRA arbitration offers a simplified and economical solution for resolving conflicts between investors and their brokers, bypassing the need for court proceedings.
Colorado and Federal Laws Relating to Investment Fraud
Colorado investors benefit from a robust framework of protections designed to ensure fair and transparent markets. These safeguards include:
- Key Laws and Regulations
- Colorado Securities Act: The cornerstone of Colorado investor protection, this law combats fraud, mandates the registration of most securities, and provides avenues for investors to seek recourse if they’ve been misled.
- Colorado Business Corporations Act: This outlines shareholder rights and the responsibilities of company leaders, aiming to ensure that corporations act in the shareholders’ best interests.
- Colorado Deceptive Sales & Business Practices Act (DSBA): This broad law empowers investors to take action against unfair or deceptive investment practices.
- Governing Agencies
- Colorado State Securities Board: This agency is the primary watchdog for the Colorado securities industry. They register offerings, license brokers, investigate misconduct, and educate investors about their rights.
- Office of the Colorado Attorney General (Consumer Protection Division): Focused on consumer protection, this office can intervene in cases of investment fraud or other deceptive practices that harm Colorado investors.
- National Regulatory Bodies
FINRA (Financial Industry Regulatory Authority): FINRA oversees all broker-dealers in the U.S, setting ethical standards, enforcing securities laws, and providing investor education resources. They work alongside the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission) for broad investor protection.
Meet the Team
ROBERT WAYNE PEARCE
Securities Attorney
ADAM KARA LOPEZ
Securities AttorneyWhat is the Statute of Limitations for Securities Fraud in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for securities fraud is generally five years from the commission of the offense. Federally, the statute of limitations for securities fraud cases is typically five years from the date of the violation or two years from the date the fraud should have been discovered. Breach of fiduciary duty and breach of contract claims must be brought within 3 years in Colorado. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame.The Law Offices of Robert Wayne Pearce, P.A., specializes in representing defrauded investors. We may be able to help you get back what you lost from bad investments using any and all available methods.
If you are an investor who has recently dealt with investment loss due to potential securities or investment fraud, we want to help.
If you have questions about how to move forward, contact our team online or by phone at our Denver office line at (800) 732-2889 for a free confidential consultation with a Colorado securities lawyer. We will fight aggressively to pursue your financial recovery and hold responsible parties accountable.